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Frequently Asked Questions about Elementary Band

 

How much does it cost to be in band?

Start Up Costs:

(Based on costs from the 2014-2015 school year)

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School Owned instrument..........................................................................................................................................................$60.00

There are a limited number of school owned instruments available. Priority is given to those students who receive free or reduced-cost lunch.

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Percussion Usage Fee...............................................................................................................................................................$60.00

Lesson Book..................................................................................................................................................................approx $10.00

 

Cost for three month rental trial:

Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone...........................................................................................................................................$45.00

Alto Saxophone..........................................................................................................................................................................$65.00

Tenor Saxophone.......................................................................................................................................................................$75.00

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What instrument should my child play?
Sometimes the instrument I recommend is not the instrument you envisioned your child would play. Keep in mind that each child’s physical features play an important role in my recommendation. To choose the flute simply because your child desires to play one or because their friends have chosen the flute does not necessarily mean your child will experience success in producing a good sound on one.

I also strive to maintain good balanced instrumentation throughout our school district. Just as a baseball team couldn’t function with six catchers and no outfielders, a good band depends on all instrument sections being filled and not overloaded. I certainly do not want your child to play an instrument they don’t like, but I appreciate your cooperation and support of my recommendations whenever possible.

If your child is interested in percussion, I will test their rhythm and note reading skills. I ask that they have had at least two years of piano experience in order to be prepared for testing. Due to the limited amount of percussion parts and instruments, I am only able to take four percussionists for each band.

If you are struggling with your decision on which instrument your child should play, please feel free to contact me.

 

How soon do we need an instrument?
Full band rehearsals with instruments will begin the week of Sept. 21. Everyone should plan to have an instrument, supplies and lesson book by the beginning of that week.

 

Should we rent or buy an instrument?
I always suggest renting for a few months to see how well your child likes the instrument and how well they progress. Yet sometimes renting can be cost prohibitive. You may be able to find a used instrument on my preferred brand list for a cost equivalent to four or five months instrument rent.

 

Where can we rent or purchase an instrument & supplies?
Most music stores offer instrument payment plans of some kind. Groth Music offers a rent-to-own plan as well as repair and maintenance coverage. When searching for an instrument, you will want to search for “Beginner level” or “Student Level” instruments. Intermediate level instruments will serve the student longer, however they are not necessary for the first few years.

Due to extreme pitch problems, lack of durability and repair policies of the music stores concerning generic/off-brand instruments, please see my recommended list of instrument brands before searching for an instrument. Some of the popular music stores who sell these preferred brands are listed below.

 

Are there school instruments to rent?
The school has a few instruments that it can rent out to students.  The rental fee is $60.00 per year.  See Mrs. Sczepanski for more information.

 

Can I use an old family-owned instrument?
Often times it is an advantage to use an old family-owned instrument for the initial year(s) of band experience. I prefer that these instruments are one of the recommended brands.  I suggest that you take the instrument to a local music store to make sure it is in good working condition. There is nothing more frustrating for a beginner than trying to progress on an instrument that does not work properly. If you are not sure if it will work for school bring it in to me and I will look it over.

 

Can I buy an instrument from a newspaper add, garage sale or online auction?
Sometimes you can find good buys from these sources. However, I urge you to use great caution in these kinds of purchases. Many “off-brand” or “problematic” instruments are sold this way. Nothing is more frustrating for your child than trying to learn how to play an instrument that doesn’t work properly or play in tune. Please refer to my list of preferred instrument brands. All brands listed can be serviced by Groth Music. Be sure have the instrument checked over and put into good playing condition before the first day of band.

 

What if my child changes their mind and wants to try a different instrument?
I generally discourage switching instruments during the first year, as it takes much time and effort to master the technical challenges of playing an instrument. However, I understand that there are exceptions. If your child has been unable to progress or has become extremely frustrated, please consult me. I may have some additional ideas that could help your child improve or thoughts on another instrument which might fit your child better. Switching instruments is allowed only with my approval.

 

What are the recommended Instrument Brands?

Flute: Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Armstrong, Artley, Jupiter
Clarinet: Yamaha, Selmer, Buffet, Armstrong, Bundy, Noblet, Vito, Le Blanc, Jupiter
Alto Sax: Yamaha, Selmer, Bundy, Jupiter, Cannonball, Vito
Trumpet: Yamaha, Bach, Getzen, King, Conn, Holton, Jupiter
Trombone: Yamaha, Bach, King, Conn, Jupiter, Holton, Getzen

Baritone/Euphonium: Yamaha, Bach, King, Conn, Jupiter, Getzen
 

Please note: Due to extreme pitch problems, lack of durability and repair policies of music stores concerning generic/off-brand instruments, please make sure you acquire an instrument from the preferred brands list above. A variety of non-music stores offer substandard quality instruments, but the pitch problems and lack of repair options can jeopardize your child's band experience. When you rent/purchase a quality instrument for your child--that can be repaired if needed---you are giving them the best chance for success. Instruments do not need to be new, used ones are perfectly acceptable.

 

What if my child’s instrument needs to be fixed?

Every Wednesday a representative from Groth Music comes to our school to pick up instruments that need repair and to return fixed instruments.  If you think your instrument needs to be repaired leave it on my desk after class for me to look at.  If it needs to be repaired you will need to fill out a repair tag and attach it to your instrument and leave it outside my office by Wednesday morning.  Students who use Randolph Band Instruments will be responsible for the cost of damages and repairs if it is determined that the damage is a result of carelessness and neglect.  This includes students that were asked to switch to the school owned instrument.  See the rental policy agreement for more information.  Your child should still come to band lessons and rehearsals if an instrument is being fixed.

 

Where do we purchase supplies?

Supplies for class can be purchased through the music department or by going to Groth Music and purchasing the items at the store.  A list of supplies needed and the cost are included in the packet.  Supplies will be given out once they are paid for. Clarinet and Saxophone players should have FIVE good reeds at all times in their case.  If you are unable to pay for reeds or any other supplies please see me.

 

Other Questions?

Contact Mrs. Sczepanski: sczepanskij@district195.org or 507-263-2151 or 507-645-4773.

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Call us:

507-263-2151

507-645-4773

Find us: 

PO Box 38, 29110 Davisson Ave., Randolph, MN 55065

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